Growing Luffa, also Loofah, plant sponge

(Cucurbitcaea)

Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed.
Best planted at soil temperatures between 20°C and 30°C.
(Show °F/in)

Space plants: 45 - 75 cm apart

Harvest in 11-12 weeks. Use as a back scratcher.

Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Onions, Sweetcorn

Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Luffa on vine

This type of squash while not strictly a vegetable can be eaten when young. They are more commonly grown to use when mature and dried.

The plants need warmth to grow successfully. Keep inside until all risk of frost is gone.

They grow on vines similar to cucumbers.

A large loofa makes a great back scratcher. Luffa can be cut into many shapes for scrubbing pads, padding, and other uses.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Luffa

The luffa flowers and fruits are soft and edible when young and are sometimes cooked and eaten like squash or okra. Loofah has been an important food source in many Asian cultures. The leaves and vines should not be eaten.

If I plant a seed, preferably 2 and put it out doors in June, will it have enough time to produce a vegetable by the first frost in November?
It is August and I just got my first vegetable to start to grow. It took along time for nature to do the cross pollination.
Thank you,
Linda from Virginia Beeach

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department.
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